The New River Gorge region near Nimitz, West Virginia sits at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,800 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations between riverside camping and mountain lodging options. This topography makes glamping in Nimitz, West Virginia particularly appealing from May through September when average temperatures range between 55-85°F. The region receives approximately 37 inches of rainfall annually, with summer thunderstorms common in the afternoons.
What to do
Fishing access at Army Camp: This free campground provides direct river access for anglers looking to catch smallmouth bass, rock bass, and various other species native to the New River. "The river is nearby, but none of the sites are on the river. There's an accessible site and also accessible trail to a bench along the river," notes a camper at Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas in natural settings. At Greenbrier River Campground, campers can enjoy water activities directly from their sites. "Rented tubes and floated down the river. The staff was great and the grounds well kept," reports one visitor who appreciated the convenient water access.
Disc golf courses: For alternative recreation beyond hiking and water sports, some parks maintain disc golf facilities. A visitor to Camp Success mentions, "There's a Disc Golf Course, Fishing, Camping, and Community Events. Well kept, clean, and perfect."
Mountain biking trails: The region offers extensive trail systems suitable for various skill levels. A reviewer at Ace Adventure Resort shares, "Mountain bike and hiking trails all over. Just ignore the train that runs through across the River."
What campers like
Waterfront tent sites: Many campers specifically seek riverside camping spots. "Tent spots have the best access to and views of the river, which is glorious. Car spots lack the view, but they're quiet," explains a reviewer at Grandview Sandbar Campground.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower quality significantly impacts visitor satisfaction. A camper at Little Beaver State Park Campground noted, "Cleanest bathrooms and showers I've seen. Cute little store for firewood...they bring to you. Daily trash pickup."
Wildlife viewing: The parks host diverse wildlife populations that enhance the camping experience. "I had so many deer along the roadways that loved to pose for pictures," shares an enthusiastic visitor to Twin Falls Resort State Park, highlighting the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the region.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate no-cost sites. "You can't beat an established campground (picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms) in a national park that's also free! Good amount of spiders and ants but didn't notice any mosquitoes in mid May," reports a camper about Army Camp.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Rainfall patterns affect camping conditions and river levels. "When breaking camp, it was noted the New River had encroached another 100ft through the woodland, flowing alongside the campground loop gravel drive...30 ft from our tent pad. Even though it had not rained in 18 hours, the New River continued to swell beyond what I thought probable."
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate on a first-come basis. "FCFS. Spots are large enough to fit 2 vehicles. Sites are gravel with fire pit, charcoal grill, and picnic table," advises a visitor about Army Camp's reservation system.
Train noise: Railroad tracks parallel many riverside camping areas, creating noise disturbance for light sleepers. A Grandview Sandbar camper warns, "The really bad thing is that there is a train station directly across the river. And trains will and do pull through every couple of hours 24/7."
Seasonal operation: Not all glamping sites and luxury accommodations operate year-round. "No camping in the winter. We stopped by for an overnight while enroute to Ohio. I don't always check ahead while road tripping," shares a visitor who discovered seasonal limitations at Army Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Rifrafters Campground provides recreational facilities specifically designed for children. "The playground was great for our daughters to burn off some energy," mentions one family who appreciated having dedicated play areas during their stay.
Water activity options: Family-friendly water features enhance the camping experience for kids. "The main one is the Lake with multiple giant anchored inflatables to play on for all ages," reports a visitor at Ace Adventure Resort about the water park options beyond traditional glamping.
Trail difficulty considerations: Parents should research trail ratings before hiking with children. "They have an abundance of trails with varying difficultly levels. We were here for almost a week and had the time only to get in about half of them," explains a camper at Twin Falls Resort State Park Campground.
Safety protocols: Water safety measures protect younger guests. A reviewer notes that at Ace Adventure Resort, "Everyone has to wear a life jacket which is kind of a pain," highlighting the prioritization of safety for family glamping experiences near Nimitz.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require additional equipment to level larger vehicles. A Little Beaver State Park visitor cautions, "Many sites looked like it may take some work to get level. We were in site 20 with a 23 ft TT and got level fairly easily but a longer rig may have difficulty in that site."
Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "Road to access is single lane paved/gravel. Best for cars/vans, but did see some small pull behinds," advises an RVer about Army Camp's approach road.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds provide on-site dumping facilities. A camper at Little Beaver notes, "Dump site was a little different. Had to make a uturn to get in to dump," providing practical information about waste management facilities.
Utility hookups: Water quality varies between locations. "Water, electric and cable service and a few sites had sewer. Campground WiFi was weak at our site (#27)," reports a Rifrafters camper about the available connections for RV glamping options.
